Jason LaBarbera's journey through the world of professional hockey is a testament to his skill and perseverance as a goaltender. Born on January 18, 1980, in Burnaby, British Columbia, LaBarbera began his path to the NHL by playing junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Portland Winterhawks and the Tri-City Americans. His performance in the WHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
LaBarbera's professional career began in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the Rangers. During his time with the Wolf Pack, he demonstrated his abilities as a reliable goaltender, earning the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's most valuable player in the 2003-2004 season. His impressive performance in the AHL eventually led to opportunities in the NHL.
In the NHL, LaBarbera played for several teams, including the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and Anaheim Ducks. His tenure with the Los Angeles Kings marked a significant period in his career, where he spent multiple seasons as a part of their goaltending roster. While with the Kings, LaBarbera shared goaltending duties and provided solid performances when called upon.
LaBarbera's career also included stints with the Vancouver Canucks and the Phoenix Coyotes, where he continued to serve as a dependable backup goaltender. His time with the Coyotes was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in supporting the team's starting goaltender and contributing to their overall success during his tenure.
Throughout his career, LaBarbera was known for his size and presence in the net, standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing over 230 pounds. His style of play was characterized by his ability to cover the net effectively and his calm demeanor under pressure. These attributes made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, both in the NHL and in the AHL.
After retiring from professional play, LaBarbera transitioned into coaching, bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to a new generation of goaltenders. He has served as a goaltending coach for various teams, including the Calgary Flames, where he has continued to contribute to the sport by mentoring young players and helping them develop their skills.
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